CHAPTER XXVII
NATURAL VENTILATION.

ALTHOUGH a forced ventilation is deemed indispensable in every hospital for the insane, still a natural ventilation should never be neglected. In most part of the United States, during one-half the year, there is a comfort in the fresh, cool breezes which may often be made to pass through the wards, that can not be too highly estimated, and every precaution should be taken to derive full advantage from them. The darkest, most cheerless, and worst ventilated parts of such establishments, will generally be found to be where a wing joins the centre building, or where one wing comes directly in contact with another running at right angles to it. The first of these defects, however, is easily and effectually remedied, by leaving on each side an open space of ten or twelve feet, with movable glazed sash extending from near the floor to the ceiling, and which may either be accessible to the patients, or be protected by ornamental open wire work on a line with the corridor; this arrangement gives nearly every advantage of light, air, and scenery. Behind such a screen, even in the most excited wards, may be placed with entire security, the most beautiful evergreen and flowering plants, singing birds, jets of water, and various other objects, the contemplation of which can not fail to have a pleasant and soothing effect upon every class of patients. To remedy the other difficulty alluded to, instead of allowing a second wing to come directly in contact with the first, it should be placed on a parallel line, but made to recede just so far as will allow its corridor to be open at both extremities, or as much more as may be deemed desirable, and these ends should also be furnished with movable glazed sashes, terminating in a bay window, accessible to the patients, or protected and ornamented as already suggested, according to the class by which it is to be occupied, and other circumstances. If the second range of wings is placed at right angles to the first, the same arrangement is required, as that suggested where the first wing joins the centre building. I deem this mode of finish of great importance, and one of the most valuable features of the plans under notice. These open arrangements, where one ward joins another, give all possible advantages of light and air, and are infinitely preferable to structures entirely detached, which, besides being more expensive, without having compensating advantages, have many inconveniences, that must be obvious to those who are practically familiar with the management of hospitals.

The character of the ground must often decide whether the building shall be in one extended line, or whether the second or third range shall be at right angles to the first or second as the case may be. If the building is but for one sex there can be no objection to either of these, and of both plans, outlines are given.